The Benue State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia played a role in the resignation of its Speaker, Aondona Dajoh, insisting the decision was personal.
Assembly spokesperson Elias Audu, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, August 25, said lawmakers remain “independent-minded” and cannot be compelled into taking decisions.
“If the governor had an interest, whatever it is, it is not within the knowledge of the Assembly. The Speaker was doing his job, and after some time, maybe because of certain decisions, he thanked the people for their support and said it was time to go,” Audu said.
He added, “I’m convinced that the Speaker resigned based on personal principle. We are in a political dispensation, but if there are political undertones, there is no fighting in the Benue Assembly. You can’t coerce members.”
Audu maintained that the development was the “collective will” of lawmakers, not a crisis.
READ ALSO: Ex-Benue Speaker Bids Farewell: “I’ve Moved On, The Journey Continues”
“The immediate past Speaker voluntarily resigned. He came, he saw, he conquered, and he did his best for the state. When he said it was time to quit, members unanimously voted Honourable Berger Emberga as the new Speaker in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
The spokesperson also emphasised that the Assembly operates independently.
“We maintain the principle of separation of powers. Recently, the governor sent nominees, and we turned them down. If we think his policies are not in the interest of the people, we will tell him. Since 2023, the House has been at peace,” he explained.
Governor Alia had earlier denied involvement in Dajoh’s exit, stating that he enjoys cordial relations with lawmakers.
Dajoh resigned on Sunday in a letter, saying his decision was taken in “good faith and in the best interest of the state.”
At an emergency plenary led by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi, members unanimously elected Berger Emberga as Speaker. Emberga pledged cooperation with Dajoh and others to drive Benue’s development.